The Seattle Seahawks released starting inside linebacker Tyrel Dodson on Monday and signed cornerback Josh Jobe from the practice squad to the active roster.

Dodson, 26, started all nine games in his first season in Seattle and led the Seahawks’ defense with 71 tackles, including five for loss and two sacks.

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said the decision to release Dodson was “tough” but their recent bye week helped them decide to give younger players an opportunity to play.

“We really appreciate T-Dod. He’s worked extremely hard, rehabbed throughout the offseason here,” Macdonald said. “I think it was an opportunity for us, when we kinda sat and took a step back and realized where we were at, it was really the best thing for us to move forward that way, give the other guys in the room an opportunity to step up. I hope those guys grab that opportunity by the horns and take it and run with it. And then it gives Tyrel an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the year strong.”

Specifically, rookie Tyrice Knight will get the first opportunity start at the weakside linebacker spot for Seattle (4-5) as it comes out of its bye week to play the San Francisco 49ers (5-4) on the road Sunday.

Dodson spent his first four NFL seasons as a part-time starter with the Buffalo Bills. In 68 career games (24 starts), he has 214 tackles (16 for loss), 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Jobe, 26, is in his first year with Seattle after two with the Philadelphia Eagles. In three games for the Seahawks earlier this season, he had 17 tackles along with four pass breakups and his first career interception.

Also on Monday, the Seahawks placed safety K’Von Wallace (ankle) on injured reserve, signed tight end N’Keal Harry to the practice squad and claimed defensive tackle Brandon Pili off waivers from the Miami Dolphins.